A Study On The Dispute Settlement Mechanism Of The Non-navigational Uses Of International Rivers

In recent years, with the fast growth of the world’s population and the continued economic development of countries, the problem of global water shortages is becoming a serious one, and the conflicts over international water usage occur frequently. This creates undoubtedly tremendous pressure on water resources development on many countries. The dispute settlement mechanism of the non-navigational uses of international rivers issues becomes a problem with which the world needs to be concerned, especially possible solutions in terms of international law.This paper focuses on the study of the dispute settlement mechanism of the non-navigational uses of international rivers in international law. In reading the relevant research results, this paper summarized the status of the dispute settlement mechanism of the non-navigational uses of international rivers, explored the meaning of related concepts, describes the relevant international treaties in this field, such as the Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, Helsinki Rules on the use of the Waters of International Rivers, and focuses on three principles in this field, namely the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization, not cause significant damage and the principle of international cooperation. On this basis, through cases to study the dispute settlement mechanism of the non-navigational uses of international rivers on Danube River and Rhine River, including the application of relevant international conventions, international river regional treaties of relevant countries, and the dispute settlement of relevant countries, then summarized the experience. At the last, I think the inspiration of this study and attempt to put forward constructive suggestions to China’s practices on this field. Through this research, I found that the dispute settlement mechanism of the non-navigational uses of international rivers can be summarized as the same way of negotiation, mediation and finally submitted to international court or arbitration. Dispute resolution methods can be divided into political and legal methods. In addition, the principles, especially the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization, of international cooperation and of not cause significant damage, are in important positions. China can learn the experience from the Rhine River or other international advanced practices, and promote international cooperation in the context of safeguarding sovereignty.